Cameroun strengthens energy accounting for smarter policies

The Cameroun government is taking a significant step toward sustainable development with the launch of a national energy accounting system. In collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the World Bank, the initiative aims to provide policymakers with precise data to guide energy, economic, and environmental strategies.

Building a robust energy data framework in Douala

A five-day workshop in Douala, from June 22 to 26, 2026, brings together key government agencies, energy sector specialists, and financial partners. The goal is to assess existing data, identify gaps, and develop a practical roadmap for compiling energy accounts in alignment with the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA)—a globally recognized statistical framework.

Why energy accounting matters for Cameroun

Energy accounts serve as a powerful analytical tool, linking energy flows—such as extraction, production, transformation, consumption, and trade—to broader economic and environmental outcomes. This integrated approach helps answer critical policy questions:

• How much energy does the country produce and consume?
• Which economic sectors are the largest energy consumers?
• How is energy transformed and utilized across industries?
• What is the energy sector’s contribution to economic growth and employment?
• How do energy policies impact greenhouse gas emissions and climate goals?

By providing a clear picture of these dynamics, energy accounting enables evidence-based decision-making—essential for planning investments in renewable energy, improving energy security, and advancing the country’s Vision 2035 and SND30 development strategies.

Aligning with national development and global goals

The initiative directly supports Cameroun’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), and sustainable resource management (SDG 12).

Beyond statistics, the energy accounts will enhance the government’s ability to:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of energy policies
• Ensure coherence between economic planning and natural resource management
• Incorporate environmental considerations into public policy decisions

A national strategy with international standards

This project is part of the National Plan for Environmental and Economic Accounting (PNDEAE), adopted in 2023. The PNDEAE identifies energy accounting as a priority area for operationalizing environmental and economic accounting nationwide.

The initiative receives technical support from UNECA, methodological guidance aligned with international standards, and specialized expertise—including contributions from the UK’s Office for National Statistics—to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Shaping a sustainable energy future

In a context of rising energy demand, climate challenges, and the urgent need for sustainable transition, reliable and comprehensive energy data is no longer optional—it’s a strategic necessity. By developing these accounts, Cameroun is positioning itself to make informed choices that balance growth, energy security, and environmental stewardship.